Whether we like it or not, business owners have to be thinking about public relations. After all, the customers that we want and need so badly are part of that public. And if we fail to create good relationships with them, it is pretty safe to say that our business won’t be long for this market.

Entrepreneurs are the consummate “do-it-all” type of people. However, there comes a time when something as important as public relations is not the best use of your time as the business owner. There are more important things that you can do while entrusting public relations to someone else.

But how do you know when it is time?

Today, we are going to answer that question with nine signs that you need help with public relations for your business.

SIGN #1 – YOU ARE NOT SURE EXACTLY WHAT PR IS

If all of the talks about PR is just not making sense, then chances are you aren’t doing what needs to be done when it comes to your relationships with your customers. You will be amazed at the difference just a little bit of help in the media coaching department can make!

SIGN #2 – YOU’RE NOT THE EXPERT YOU THOUGHT YOU WERE

Public relations is critical to every business. However, it is not a skill set that everyone has. And in the continually changing world of the internet and social media, keeping up with your public relations can be more than difficult. If dealing with the public relations side of things is just out of your wheelhouse, then consider finding someone who can assist you in this vital area.

SIGN #3 – YOU’RE COMPETITION IS WINNING

If your competitors are everywhere you look, then chances are they are beating you in the PR game. They won’t be hard to spot, and that is another sign that it’s time to up your game.

SIGN #4 – CREDIBILITY IS ESSENTIAL

Depending on the type of business you run, credibility is built in different ways. A focused PR effort can go a long way in boosting your credibility in the eyes of your customers.

SIGN #5 – YOU ARE NEW TO THE MARKET

Sometimes gaining momentum is one of the hardest things to do. Having some expert help in the PR department can get you the forward motion that you need.

SIGN #6 – YOU NEED NEW INVESTORS OR TALENT

If you have your eye on expanding your business and taking things to the next level, now might be a good time to get some help and redouble your PR efforts. Investors and top-quality workers need to know, like, and trust you before they’ll get on board.

SIGN #7 – SOCIAL MEDIA IS LACKING

When a million things are going on, it can be pretty easy to let your social media presence slide. This is a critical mistake. Social media is an incredibly powerful tool for your business, and you cannot afford to let it slip away.

SIGN #8 – NOTHING HAS COME FROM PAST ATTEMPTS

Have sponsored events, held contests, or done anything else in the past to garner awareness for your business? What were the results? If all your efforts didn’t move the needle, then it is time to get some help with your public relations.

SIGN #9 – TIME DOWN THE DRAIN

Time is by far our most precious resource. You can never get back wasted time. When public relations are pulling you away from other necessary operations, when other important things are sliding because of the time you have to dedicate to public relations, then it’s time to get some help.

Guest blog by Danielle Peffers
mediaworksgroup.com